News

Feb 14, 2017

SENATE DEFUNDS PLANNED PARENTHOOD

RICHMOND - Today, the Republican-controlled Senate passed HB 2264 by Delegate Ben Cline (R-Amherst) to defund Planned Parenthood in Virginia. The bill passed on a party line vote, 20-19 and will now head to Governor McAuliffe's desk -- where it is sure to be vetoed.

Said Senator Barbara Favola (D-Arlington), "These state funds go towards providing STI tests -- which are extremely important for having a healthy society. The clinics our colleagues are targeting help women treat infections like Hepatitis B to make sure these infections are not passed on to newborns through no fault of their own."

Said Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), "This is nothing but a ploy to deprive women of crucial healthcare services simply in order to make a political point. Year after year, we come down to Richmond and Republicans waste the Senate's time finding new ways to limit women's control of their own bodies. It has to stop."